Southern Illinois University - Carbondale

Date: Feb 20 2012
Major: Communications (This Major's Salary over time)
I transferred to SIU as a sophomore. Both my parents attended, and I had visited before. I am from the Chicago area. I personally really liked Southern, and believe I got a decent education. The whole party school thing is blown out of proportion. I had friends at most other schools in Illinois, and people were getting drunk just the same there. I think a lot of parents won't let their kids even consider this school because of the rep it has, which is really sad. Between all the state schools I believe Southern is one of the best. NIU has an ugly campus, but gets more students from Northern Illinois because they are afraid to leave home. SIU also has a very highly accredited business program. Carbondale is a great town, and extremely affordable when moving out of the dorms. If there is a parent reading this please don't write this school off because of the party image. College is what you make of it. If you slack off, and don't go to class you will probably flunk out. I saw plenty of people go down that road. Just go to class people ! I loved SIU, and would go back in a heartbeat. A few pieces of advices for parents, and students.

1. Don't live in Lewis Park Apartment Complexes because it backs up to the bars, and there is a lot of vandalism. Plus the apartments there are a rip off.

2. Only live in the dorms as long as you have to. There are a lot of nice places to rent for way less off campus, but still really close.

3.The town is safe for the most part, but always be aware.

4. Go to class and remember why you are in college. The reason should be to get an education.

If you pick this school you won't regret it. If I was getting a masters degree the first school I would look at is SIU.